Marx and Durkheim’s View on the Benefits and Dangers of...

Introduction Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Émile Durkheim (1858-1917) were sociologists who both existed throughout similar time periods of the 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting in both Marx, and Durkheim to be concerned about similar effects and impacts among society (Appelrouth and Edles: 20, 77). Marx’s main focus was on class distinctions among the bourgeoisie and proletariat, forces and relations of production, capital, surplus value, alienation, labour theory of value, exploitation and class consciousness (Appelrouth and Edles: 20). Whereas Durkheim’s main focus was on social facts, social solidarity – mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity, anomie, collective conscience, ritual, symbol, and collective representations†¦show more content†¦Another concept that brought about inequality among the bourgeoisie and proletariat is the labour theory of value. As stated in the textbook Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory, â€Å"One of the basic truths of capitalism is that it takes money to make money, and the more money a business owner has at his or her disposal, the more ability the business owner has to generate profit-making schemes† (Appelrouth and Edles: 25). In this case, the bourgeoisies are at a benefit as they own the means of production, while the proletariat are at a disadvantage as they don’t have capital to make money. Marx’s ‘general formula for capital’ explains the class and power relations that predominate in modern capitalist society through the formula M-C-M. Marx describes this law of value to be beneficial to the bourgeoisies as they increase profits and capital. Bourgeoisies are able to do this because they have the money (M) to buy capital, which converts their money into commonality (C), which they then use to produce other commodities that are sold for money (M). Bourgeoisies predominate the proletariats through power relations as the formula is inversed for the w orking class, C-M-C. The working class sells their labour through commodity (C), which then is exchanged for money (M) and used to buy commodities (C) necessary for survival. The C-M-CShow MoreRelatedThe Paradox of Capitalism2320 Words   |  10 PagesCapitalism is an engine of economic growth that drives innovation faster than any sports car imaginable. Driving into oblivion can be thrilling, but it always has risks. The paradox of capitalism is subjective. For the working class, capitalism is a derogatory term symbolizing the exploitation of the poor by the strong and powerful. For the ruling class, it symbolizes a system where opportunities abound for those who are devoted, innovative, and work hard. Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim, prominentRead MoreKarl Marx s Theory Of Alienation Essay1553 Words   |  7 Pagescontrolled by the Bourgeoisie. Emile Durkheim’s theory of anomie was developed during a great capitalist growth, the industrialization revolution. The mass popul ation could not keep up with the constant change leading to the breakdown of social bonds between individuals and communities. This break of social bonds creates anomie for the individual or society which leads to fatalistic suicide, especially when a person is rule governed. These concepts provided by Marx and Durkheim have mutual relationshipsRead MoreCRM 1301 Midterm uOttawa Carolyn Gordon Essay10218 Words   |  41 Pagesorganization who takes the responsibility to persuade the society at what is more important in terms of laws. Folk devils: groups that vise to be a threat to society. Modern Day ‘Witch Hunts A ‘witch hunt’ occurs any time a group of people persecutes another group unfairly, usually blaming that group for larger problems Modern day drug users/drug laws a ‘witch hunt’: Opium Act of 1908 (stricter drug laws) Emily Murphy’s The Black Candle-This book created a moral panic in society. Video Notes:Read MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pagesand provides an advanced introduction to the heterogeneous study of organizations, including chapters on phenomenology, critical theory and psychoanalysis. Like all good textbooks, the book is accessible, well researched and readers are encouraged to view chapters as a starting point for getting to grips with the field of organization theory. Dr Martin Brigham, Lancaster University, UK McAuley et al. provide a highly readable account of ideas, perspectives and practices of organization. By thoroughlyRead MoreRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 Pagestruth of how religions grow and sustain themselves, but Edmonds realizes that models that have been used to explain other religious phenomenon dont always apply comfortably to the peculiar developments of Rastafarianism. For instance, very few modern religions have assumed such a signiï ¬ cant place in the mainstream of popular culture through the use of music. Marley is not seen as a religious ï ¬ gure; rather he is seen as a rock star, a pop hero, an icon. And yet his faith is at the core of his